Fragments

Say whether these short utterances make whole sentences or not; and if they don’t, add whatever is necessary.

Introduction

Examine each group of words and say whether it is a complete sentence or not. If it is not, make whatever changes you think necessary, until you are satisfied that you have a complete sentence.

1. Because she thought it would please her sister.

2. Glad you like it.

3. What had happened.

4. If I can ever be of help again.

5. She suspected no irony.

6. Which deprived him momentarily of speech.

For example

A stealthy footstep on the stairs.

She thought she heard a stealthy footstep on the stairs.

Was that a stealthy footstep on the stairs?

Note: Fragments are a common and indispensable part of everyday conversation, and are not ‘bad grammar’. However, they are discouraged in formal writing, so it is important to know the difference between a fragment and a sentence.

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